Over 20 of the cats were found in the 81-year-old's home, near Helsingborg in southern Sweden. Another dozen or so were found nearby. Several of the cats had eye problems, and Stålhandske said they may have been inbred.

Four years ago the city was already aware of the man's problematic affinity for felines. In 2010 the city forbade him from having more than nine cats, but in 2011 it was discovered that he had 15, not including kittens. All of the cats were taken.

"When it comes down to it he is a true animal lover," Stålhandske said. "He wanted to take care of them, and it went awry when they started propagating uncontrollably."

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Once again the board has decided to confiscate the cats, and is also considering banning the man from owning any animals at all.